'The Mikado' comic opera coming to University of Montevallo on April 24-27

Performances of "The Mikado" are happening in the University of Montevallo's Palmer Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on April 24-26 with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 27. (Courtesy / University of Montevallo)

MONTEVALLO,
Alabama -- Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera "The Mikado" will perform at
the University of Montevallo on April 24-27 and feature students, faculty and
others in the cast.

The cast will include student singers who have won awards in
national opera competitions as well as an orchestra consisting of musicians
from Montevallo's music faculty and students. The cast also pulls from the Tuscaloosa
Symphony and other areas.

A gift from Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. is helping to
allow the performances at the University of Montevallo.

"Partnerships such as this allow us to offer our students
unparalleled performance experiences that enhance their learning opportunities
and allow them to prepare to take their talents to the next level," Alan
Goldspiel, chair of the university's music department, said in a press release.

"They also provide outstanding options for members of the
community and surrounding area to enjoy arts events that are both affordable
and close to home. We are truly appreciative of Merrill Lynch's investment in
the arts and look forward to a continued relationship with them as we work to
expand the arts throughout Shelby County," Goldspiel said.

The performance is happening in the university's Palmer Auditorium
at 7:30 p.m. on April 24-26 with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 27.

Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $8 for students and
senior citizens. For ticket information, contact the university's music
department at (205)665-6670.

"The Mikado" is considered one of the world's most
frequently played musical theater pieces. It is set in Japan and satirizes
British politics and institutions during the late 19th century, when the opera
was written.

"The comedy deals with themes of death as trivial, lighthearted
issues, a technique called meiosis, a drastic understatement of a situation,"
according to the university.

The production includes a "personalized" feature for each
company's performance with its "Little List" of people in the fictional town of
Titipu "who would not be missed, should they be beheaded," according to the
university. "In many instances, local celebrities and dignitaries vie for a
place on the list, which is read during the performance."